HERMISTON, Ore.-The Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) Business Resource Center (BRC) located on North First Street in Hermiston officially closed on June 30, after five years of supporting local businesses.
“The Business Resource Center was a vital part of UEC’s response to a once-in-a-generation economic shock,” said Lisa McMeen, Vice President of Administration at UEC. “We are incredibly proud of the work it accomplished and the hundreds of business owners it supported during one of the most challenging times in recent history.”
The BRC opened in April 2020 and provided free, confidential services to help small local businesses with everything from business planning, marketing training, financial analysis and website development, according to UEC.
Throughout the pandemic, the BRC became a support hub for small businesses, expanding its services to include free business advising, brand identity workshops, budget support, and access to UEC’s Revolving Loan Fund
“Our community’s small businesses were resilient, and the BRC was honored to walk alongside them through that journey,” said McMeen. “We’re especially grateful to the staff, local partners, and advisory professionals who made this work possible.”
The closure of the BRC comes as the need for business support has declined in the five years since the height of the pandemic, and UEC now plans to focus on other ways to strengthen communities and support members.
“We’re taking what we learned and applying it to more flexible, community-wide strategies that align with today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said McMeen.
According to UEC, broader, community-focused efforts include enhanced economic development partnerships, workforce training initiatives, and investing in local infrastructure that can drive long-term growth.
More information on UEC’s community support programs is available online.
